Introducing myself and my journal: Roses, Birds, and Women

About Me:
From my birthplace and youth in the fields and woods of Gogebic County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I have now also lived in Minnesota, Northern Ontario, Switzerland, Toronto Ontario, and Salt Lake City Utah. I graduated from Suomi College (now Finlandia College) with an Associates in Art degree and then a B.S. in Business Adminisration from Michigan Technological University. I married George Albert and we had three wonderful children with whom I stayed at home for fifteen years. Once we moved to Utah, I entered the workforce and had fabulous career with a small publishing company that published a monthly women's magazine (network), then studied to become a Certified Financial Planner, and went on to be the Executive Director of the Women's Business Center, helping women and minorities to set-up and start businesses. Now, I do some small business consulting and am active in my community as a member of many organizations mostly working for the advancement of women and girls, minorities, and refugees, as well as healthcare issues. I maintain my balance by gardening and enjoying the arts and documentary films, spending time with grand children and on an island in Northern Ontario in the summers. I also read, do needlework, cook and bake, and walk some most everyday.

My Passions:
Grandchildren, women's issues, food, art, gardening, reading and lifelong learning

My Challenges:
Not having enough time to do everything I want and getting myself organized!

My Vision for the Future:
Women and children will live in safe environments that allow them to pursue their dreams and find beauty and love and that men like my sons represent all men.

My Areas of Expertise:
Culinary arts, needlework, women's issues, gardening, financial planning, networking